6. Images whose files sizes have been upsampled (increased) or downsampled (decreased) almost always need sharpening. The "Sharpen" or "Sharpen More" filter will do a perfectly adequate job. Always sharpen after re-sizing or resampling, otherwise picture quality may degrade.

7. From the "File" menu, choose "Save As." Youll be asked to rename the picture and be given a choice of formats. Choose JPEG and click on SAVE. Another dialog box will appear offering numerical and/or listed compression options. Choose "0" or "Low." Leave other format values at their default settings.

After hitting "Save As" and choosing JPEG, this dialog box or a similar one will appear. Use the "Image Options" section only and begin with the lowest "Quality."

8. Now locate your image on your hard drive and check its file size. It should be between 20K to 50K. Bring it up in your browser to confirm its size and quality. If it looks posterized or blotchy, redo it using a higher numerical value ( 2 or 3) or "Medium." Bear in mind that you cannot remove all artifacts.

9. Before sending, make sure it has the .JPG suffix on it; if it doesnt, add it yourself. Many times images cannot be opened by WIN applications because they dont know its file type. Adding .JPG usually solves the problem.

10. Send only one image per email. If you must attach more than one, the sum of their file sizes should not exceed 100K. Even with a 56K modem it takes almost a minute to download 100K and thats a long time. Try it.

11. If you input incorrect numbers, select the wrong options, or make sizing mistakes that cannot be undone by "Undo," close the image, click on "Dont Save" in the dialog box, and start over.

Remember that these steps are for images that will be viewed on a monitor, or printed out at very small sizes (3 by 5 inches at the most). If you want your recipient to print your photos at bigger sizes, youll have to bite the bullet and send them as large files.